1-Dec-2014

Under The Warm Sun

Bon dia, world! Today is our last day in Barcelona and that makes me incredibly sad. It's so warm, sunny and beautiful here, full of colours and flavours. We are flying back home late this evening, so the whole of the day is for us to explore this magical city a bit more. Neither of us wants to go back home to the gloomy, cold, sad, boring England. But we'll think about that later, when we are landing and there is no place to hide. For the moment, I'm going to cherish the sun and the smell of Spain!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

29-Nov-2014

Barcelona Lights, Bites and Times

Mr.Boyfriend and I are completely in love with Barcelona. We are talking about moving to Barcelona in few years time and trying out luck in this magnificent city. We are just walking the streets, staring at the beautiful buildings and savoring the amazing atmosphere. Oh, and the amazing food, you know. Life here can be pretty good, we think. We can imagine ourselves living, loving, being here. We would love to re-imagine ourselves and our days in this warm, loving city...

When we are back in Brighton, I promise to write am extensive post about our Barcelonian adventure, the good, the better and the best of it. But right now, I'm too busy being in love!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

2-Nov-2014

Travel Diaries: Bodiam Castle

Yesterday the weather was amazing, beyond perfect for 1st of November! It was so good that it would've been a pity to stay at home and do nothing the whole day, so we decided to take up a short trip and explore the gorgeousness that Sussex has to offer. After a short consideration we set our minds on visiting Bodiam Castle, the nearest castle East from Brighton. If you feel like going West from Brighton I highly recommend visiting Arundel Castle - it's simply marvelous. So, after late breakfast we packed few apples, a jar full of nuts, oat cakes and a bottle of water, and left on our journey to Bodiam.

Even if you don't feel like walking around medieval castle and walking around ruins is not idea of fun, you must take the drive to Bodiam. The road is picture-perfect - good road, tall trees forming a natural tunnel, green meadows on the side, cute little English houses on the side and pubs with funky names.

So, back to the castle. It's owned by the National Trust which is doing excellent job preserving it and making it accessible to the public. It's very children friendly and, as far as I heard from the other visitors, there's always some kind of even happening for the little ones. Yesterday it was a Dragon Treasure Hunt. which sounded so tempting that even I wanted to join in.

The castle itself is beautiful, classic and very traditional, full blown  medieval style. The towers are still intact and visitors can walk up the narrow spiral staircase to take a look from the positions where the defenders of the castle will stay. The main entrance is through a long bridge atop of a moat, which is very impressive if you ask me. Unfortunately, there is close to nothing left from the insides of the castle, which is a pity. However, the exterior of the castle makes up for the lack of super-interesting inside and the castle looks very good on pictures.

Prepared mentally that there will be no ball room and great hall inside, and do pay it a visit. Is a pretty pretty old  thing!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

15-Sept-2014

Travel Diaries: Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Part Two: Places To Eat, Drink And Have Fun

Plovdiv has just been announced as one of Europe's Cultural Capitals for 2019 and this is a huge deal for everyone in Plovdiv. 

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

13-Sept-2014

Travel Diaries: Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Part One: History Notes And Travel Must-Stops

My hometown is pretty awesome, you guys! It's the most beautiful place I have ever been to this day, and I have been in Milan, Paris and Barcelona. Although I'm somewhat bias because hello, I grew up here, there are plenty of other people who'l back me up. Like the committee for the European Cultural Capital who named it 2019's Capital. That has to mean something, right?

So, Plovdiv is the 6th oldest city in the world and the eldest in Europe, exciting since the 4,000 BC. It's located in the south-central part of Bulgaria, on the banks of the Maritza river. The city has developed around seven hills that have become its trademark. Rhodope mountains are nearby and the Upper Thracian Plain is surrounding it.

Over the centuries the city has been given many names, each inspired by whoever is ruling it at the moment. While part of the Macedonian kingdom was named after Philip of Macedonia, father of Alexander the Great - Philippoupolis - meaning The city of Philip. While part of the Roman Empire it was called Trimontium - meaning The city on the three hills and later, during the Ottoman rule, was named Filibe. It's contemporary name, Plovdiv, dates back to the 11thC, and it's first found in old-Bulgarian documentation. It's believed to be a combination between the Thracian and Slavic names for the city.

The Roman empire left a visible mark on the city - an amphitheater, a gladiators arena and aqueducts are among the monuments left in Plovdiv from the ancient times.  They are all open to the public and an active part of Plovdiv's life. The amphitheater is insuperable part of the cultural life, hosting numerous plays, operas, concerts, festivities and celebrations. Due to its regal atmosphere and superb acoustics, the amphitheater is the preferred location for all classical musical occasions, among which an international festival celebrating Verdi's art.

The Amphitheater

While part of the Ottoman Empire, Plovdiv developed a beautiful old town. All houses are in the typical for Bulgaria Revival Style - two storey, small windows, wooden blinds and pretty bright colours. Two of the hills where the most beautiful revival houses are located, form a neighborhood known among all as The Old Town. There are most of the classic museums and galleries, as well as some rather impressive churches. Cobblestone streets are leading locals and visitors up and down the hills, from a church to a tiny restaurant set inside an old house to a marvelous view. Oh, and there are the Ottoman Baths as well!

Plovdiv Old Town

Plovdiv Old Town

Plovdiv's main street has been just announced to be the longest pedestrians only street in Europe, so do remember to take a lazy afternoon walk on it. Starting at the Post office square it goes pass the beautiful Municipal building, build by the same architect who designed Vienna's main street, walk along the hundreds of shops but make sure to take a look at the gorgeous old houses along the way. Then you'll see the Cuma Mosque and the roman theater. The main street continues forward, in the so called "Small Main Street", where buildings get more and more communist inspired still the Plovdiv style is present - flowers and build in the pavement lights cane make even boring apartment buildings looks amazing.

Main Street

City Hall

Don't forget to take a stroll down the rowing channel. Locals' favourite place to escape the summer heat, to cycle in a safe environment or to just to sit and watch the time past by. During the rowing season there will be regular competitions that are free for the open public to attend. Just next to the rowing channel is the zoo, making it the perfect family-friendly place. Most of the kids that grow up in Plovdiv will learn how to ride a bike or who to skate at the alleys along the rowing channel, me as well.

Rowing Channel

To Be Continued ...

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

4-Sept-2014

Back Home

Hello from sunny and hot Plovdiv, my hometown. After 12 hours of travelling, a car ride, a plane ride, 2 buses rides in the capital, a bus ride between the capital and Plovdiv, and a bus from the station to home, I'm back in my extremely colourful bedroom and Domino, my cat, is sleeping next to me.

We had a very easy flight and both of us were able to sleep for close to two hours. The 3rd seat on our roll was empty so we were quite comfy actually. Not so much on the ride between Sofia, the capital, and Plovdiv, because it was stuffy, no leg room and the ride was as long as the plain ride was. However both Mr.Boyfriend and I arrived safely in our own homes and were greeted by our loving families. The adventure of being home with the parents is just beginning!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

22-Aug-2014

Travel Diaries: Thorpe Park

Yesterday we spent a day in Thorpe Park. It was much anticipated and we were at the park (after 90minutes of driving) just as they started admissions. We expected less people to be there so early and therefore not to have to queue for the rides. Well, we were very much mistaken.

After a short discussion we decided we'll try our chances with the rides we want to try the most - the thrill rollercoasters. After all, we didn't go all the way there to ride with the kids, right?

First stop (and a 2h queue) was SAW- The Ride. It's inspired by the movie with the same name and it's "thing" is the absolute 100 degrees drop. Other than that the ride is pretty basic and it ends so fast that you might regret waiting for 2 hours for mere 25 seconds.

Saw - The Ride

Next up was The Swarm. Here the idea is for a post-apocalyptic world, where everything is destroyed. The queue line around  burned down cars, the ruins of houses and other niceties. On top of that, screens are showing a mock news report about some very strange and very scary even that happened, imagine that, in Thorpe Park. The ride itself it's nothing memorable, to be honest. Few loops and this is it. However, there is an option to ride backwards and this seemed like the better way to take the ride. Maybe next time, if there is next time.

The Swarm

The third ride on our list was Nemesis Inferno. Dedicated to an erupted volcano scenario, the whole experience was decided in dark red and black. Very pleasing to the eye, however the ride wasn't all that exciting at all. The only thing that I can call slightly thrilling on this rollercoaster was the part where one's riding head down.This was good. The rest was ... meh.

Nemesis Inferno

After a short lunch break - there is an abundance of fast-food places to choose from, we went forward with our plan of trying all of the so-called thrilling rides. Next on our list was Colossus - a classic rollercoaster, the first in the world with 10 loops. No specific theme here, just plenty of green around it, and the glory of being the first 10 loop rollercoaster. Nothing surprising, nothing thrilling, just some mild headache as a result of so much looping around.

Colossus

And last but not least from our list of thrilling rides was Stealth, Thorpe's star. They like to say that people come to the park just to ride on it, and this might actually be true. The scenario around this ride is 1950's car race and it's all very nicely mock-vintage, almost as you are on the set of Grease special edition. It's promoted as having the combined power of two F1 cars and that it accelerates to 130 km/h in less than 3 seconds. Sounds pretty impressive on paper but in reality is very fast start and then very boring other 20 seconds until the end of the ride. However the fast start is actually pretty decent, you feel like you are getting thrown forward by some supreme force and that gives you the chills. This is actually the only ride that managed to excite us all so much that we were willing to go for a second run.

Stealth

We also tried few of the other rides, among which a water one, Loggers Leap, that got us all profoundly wet, and Vortex and Zodiac, both of which combine two types of spinning in order to make their mess up with the riders heads. Not specifically impressive but I guess it will make children feel quite funny. And by the time we were done with thees three extra rides, it was time for us to leave since the park was closing in 15 minutes.

Overall, I was disappointed with the park. Taking in account we paid 26 GBP each for the day there, I expected a lot more. I expected more interesting rides and less children-orientated fun rides. Oh, and if children running everywhere without any idea what boundaries is, is not your idea of fun, that do not go, you'll only get frustrated. Also, if queuing for 2 hours for a 20 seconds ride doesn't sound like something you can do, again, do not go, you'll have a terrible day. But hey, if this feels like your idea of fun, then why not?

I just know that I'm not going back soon. Or ever,

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

24-June-2014

Travel Diaries: Exploring The South West Coast- Arundel, Chichester and Portsmouth

While my grandparent are still here, I wanted to be able to show them as much as possible. Yesterday Mr.Boyfriend and i decided that we should show them the nearby things of interest, completely oblivious of the fact that it's Monday. If you don't know this by now - in Britain on Monday museums don't work. This is generally better than not working during the weekend, however it was very unfortunate for my grandparents visit to the Arundel Castle. They took our mistake with understanding smiles and joyfully said that they are going to see it when they come to visit us the next time! Well, this sounds good enough for me!

However, I've been to the Arundel before and I've already visited the castle and the gardens. This time around we visited the Arundel Roman Catholic Cathedral, so as you might guess - I have an opinion about almost everything of any interest in the lovely tiny town of Arundel (is this a town or a village actually?!) 

Let's start with the castle and the gardens, since they are the main attraction. The castle is impressive, it looks like a postcard for Disney movie. It's very well kept (there is an actual royal family still living there) and it strikes with it's classical beauty. It's everything one expects when the think of castles - huge towers, long strong walls, huge gardens, the full package! I'm bigger fan of the outside of the castle and the gardens, the inside is mainly wood on wood with some hunting trophies on the walls. The gardens on the other hand are gorgeous, magnificent mazes and pretty exotic flowers. If you have to choose between taking a tour of the inside of the castle, or spending your time in the gardens- please choose the gardens. I promise you won't regret it!

Just  outside the castle grounds, there is the Arundel Cathedral, magnificent French Gothic building build in the second half of the 19th century. The style is not  random - between the 1300s and the 1400s this particular style was incredibly popular, and during this exact time the Howard family, Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Arundel, have risen to power in England. The Cathedral is still active, so not to be surprised if your touristic visit is accidentally in the same time as the mesa.

Arundel Castle

Arundel Cathedral

Chichester was our next stop, a picturesque little town, very quite and laid back. I was positively impressed with their nice pedestrian central area, very nice looking and seemingly well organised. Everything being so compact and well organised, it was very easy to find the cathedral - just look up and walk in direction of the huge bell tower. The cathedral is nearly 1000 years old, it dates back to the 12th century. Build in Classical Anglican Gothic style, many cite it as the most typically English of all English cathedrals. The building is indeed remarkable, very impressive in both terms of beauty and construction. Again, it's active place of worship, so not to be surprised by children singing gospels when you go to visit it.

Chichester Cathedral

And last, but not least, on our tour yesterday was Portsmouth. Mr.Boyfriend and I have been talking about visiting it for now more than a year and when we bought a car last Autumn we talked even more about going there for a laid back day out. Well, we never managed to go, both of us were pretty damn busy with everything else in Brighton (work, work, work!) so when we were planing where to go with my grandparent Portsmouth was on top of my list, right after London.

The city of Portsmouth is situated on 3 small peninsulas, but visitors are mainly interested in the middle one. If you plan on driving there I strongly recommend the Park and Ride scheme - just outside the town there is a huge car park where you park you car for just 2GBP a day, where the parking ticket entitles the driver and up to 8 passengers to ride on the designated bus line as many times as they like. It's pretty awesome, I know! The bus stops at three main attractions in each way - Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum, the city center and the Historic Docklands. There are few things worth seeing in Portsmouth and plenty of adorable places to eat - from parks with benches and flour gardens to nice restaurants and coffee shops. We didn't visit Dickens's house A: Because he was just a baby when he lived there for 1 year or so and B: It's closed on Mondays. Therefore, we explored the city center straight ahead, taking by feet the Victoria Park, through the World Wars Monument and looking at the Guildhall from the outside. The park was exactly what I miss about living in main-land - benches, flower patches, fountains, places for kids to play. Really, really liked it.

After a short walk we reached the Old Portsmouth, where it seemed like nothing special is going on. We had Spanish lunch before hitting the main attraction for us - The Spinnaker Tower. With its 170 meter (560 ft) of height, it's pretty impressive think to both look at and look from. There are three floors to be visited, but actually most people are interested in the first one where the glass floor is. That's right, you can look through a glass underneath you feet at 120 meters of height. By my standards this  is pretty cool. The tower offers a magnificent view at all of Portsmouth surroundings, including Isle of Wight and the Historic Dockyard. Tower's second floor is coffee shop and the third is just closed balcony with not much of a difference view-wise from the 1st one. Oh, and do make a booking prior to going, otherwise it's quite pricey.

Unfortunately for Mr.Boyfriend we never made it to the Historic Dockyard since my grandparent were already pretty exhausted but now we have an excuse to go back again.

The Guildhall

Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

22-June-2014

Travel Diaries: London, The Hidden Gems

London has been on top of everyone's mouth for centuries now. Actually, if you ask most main-landers, they will say that London is too glorified and that continental Europe has plenty more to offer. Yesterday, right after breakfast and me writing my travel log for Lewes, we left for London. My grandparents had clear requirements for the day - they want the classical tour of London - Buckingham palace, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Trafalgar Square and British Museum. Again, in British Museum they had clear idea what they wanted to see - the huge Buddha in the North staircase, the  Indian exposition, Japanese center and, if there is time, anything African. They've been all around Europe, so obviously strolling in the Greek/Roman/Anglo-Saxon rooms wasn't of interest to them.

And when we were over with the classic tour of London, but the day was still in front of us, and no one was tired enough to want to go back home, we decided to go on a search for the Hidden Gems of London. We discovered two pretty amazing place in the capital thanks to my housemate Sam, who gladfully lent us his expertise, time and knowledge of London.

Docklands are London's newest, fanciest part, made almost exclusively out of glass. Resembling quite a bit to Le Defense in Paris, city made of glass, away from the old part of town, economic hub and as modern as it can be. Skyscrapers try to reach above the stars, European-style gardens with benches and water fountains, underground shopping malls, Docklands have it all. A spectacular view from every angle, those glass buildings are homes of Reuters, JP Morgan, HSBC among others. Just take a look around and see the place where a huge part of Europe and World's money are being operated. I don't know about you, but this gives me the chills!

Docklands' Canary Wharf

And while you are roaming in East London, why not go for a stroll in Greenwich? A city treasure with a stunning view, Greenwich is home to a pretty good university, a Maritime Museum, a goddamn awesome park and the Royal Observatory. Did I mention the stunning view form the Observatory? It's breathtaking. Go up the hill and stand on the Greenwich Meridian Line, one foot in the East Part of the Globe, one foot in the West Part of the Globe. The Maritime museum provides a perfect setting for an imaginary trip back in time, when the British Empire ruled the world. On top of that, the Greenwich borough is far less occupied by the noisy tourists with their never resting cameras and slow pace. There are plenty of cute looking places to grab a bite or even better - an ice cold beer, but if you feel like going closer to nature - Greenwich park is perfect for picnics and lazy afternoons spent under the lovely summer sun!

Greenwich Maritime Museum and Greenwich University

Greenwich Observatory and The Line

On top of this, I think next time we go in London we are going to ditch the Tube and try the Boris bikes. We cycled around in Paris last January, there is no reason for not cycling in London in mid June!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

21-June-2014

Travel Diaries: Lewes

Last evening, after having an early dinner, my grandparents and I went to visit the nearby town of Lewes. A picturesque little town, very quite and sweeter than a cherry pie, just 10 miles away from Brighton. And since we live so nearby the highway and the A-road to Lewes, it would've been a pity not to go.

One of the main landmarks in Lewes is the 15th C Bookshop, that is still working every day, offering everything from golden classics to the newest books. The house where the bookshop is, looks every bit as something taken from Shakespearean drama, and I must say, for it's 6 centuries of existence - it looks pretty well preserved. I'm still to buy myself a little old book from it, but there is no doubt in me that sooner or later I'll obtain something from it.

15th Century Book Shop

And while we are on the literature theme - on a small back street, hidden from the eye, there is the Round House, where Virginia Woolf lived until her death. The house itself now belongs to someone else and there is no way anyone can find it if they don't know its there. Or, like in our case, while occasionally strolling around and happen to find it. The house itself it's very pretty and the current owners have a lovely garden.

The Round House

The main attraction for the tourists is the Lewes Castle. But please, don't get all excited, the castle itself does not look like a castle anymore, in all fairness it does not look like anything at all. It's just a bunch of stones that somehow miraculously have stayed together for quite a long time. To be exact - since 1069, when was build. There isn't anything particularly interesting about the castle, just the fact that is so old. And it makes good picture background.

Lewes Castle

And the last stop in our tour of Lewes was the Harvey's Brewery - Sussex Ale Brewery. Probably it won't be considered worth the visit by most, I suppose, it was a fun for my grandparents and me to casually stroll to it and take an outside look of it. I like it because it's a very authentic English thing - ale brewery, and because of the lovely idea of having a brewery, an alcohol shop and a pub right next to each other. The pub offers a fine selection of Harvey's ales and the place is rather picturesque - right by the river, offering a lovely chill atmosphere.

Harvey's Ale Brewery

This is where our Lewes adventure commenced. I'm sure that locals probably will be able to offer more and better explanations and stories about the things to do and see in Lewes, but for a tiny town such as Lewes, I guess this is more than enough!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...

19-June-2014

Travel Diaries: Brighton

Getting to know the town you live in is one of the biggest joys of having people visit. No that you disliked it before, it's just that now you see it in different light and you'll make sure to present it's best possible side.

So, while my grandparents are having their well deserved afternoon nap, let me tell you about the funky little town of Brighton and Hove.

It used to be a fishing village, a quite and dull place to be. That was until the 1780's when some new, fancier houses were build and what used to be fishing village became a fashionable sea resort for the bored Londoners. It is mare 55 miles away from the capital, after all!

A great role in the growth and fame of Brighton plays the Prince Regent, later known as King George IV. If it would be any help to place him in the timeline of British Monarchs, he is one of Queen Victoria's uncles. Not that this matters at all, but just in case you like royal history as I do. So, the Prince Regent loved Brighton and spent much of his leisure time in town. He also loved India. So he decided to unite his two passions and what a better way for a future king to do so than to build himself a palace. And this is how the Royal Pavilion was born. Fun fact: dear old King George IV eventually go so fat and chubby that he could not walk up and down the stairs in his privy chamber in the tower. He had to be removed from it.

The Royal Pavilion

In the spirit of the Pavilion, Brighton has one more spectacular royal landmark - the Jubilee Clock Tower. Build to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1888. In my opinion, the Clock Tower is probably the prettiest landmark in Brighton, very royally and festive looking. During the Winter, the city council places fairy lights around it, making it look like taken from a Disney fairytale. Oh, and also has this taste of classicism trapped inside modernity.

The Jubilee Clock Tower

Nowadays, Brighton is still preferred place by Londoners, especially the young ones. It is know as London-by-sea, but also as one of the best party destinations. It is a place open for everyone, a particular favourite to the LGBT community, but not only. On a sunny weekend day, the promenade is full of screaming children, giggling teenagers, strolling adults or adorable elderly. The beach is favourite place for everyone, although the stones does not serve as a nice cozy seat. The Pier is quite the noise attraction with its numerous game rooms, carousels and places to grab a drink or bite. Although not my cup of tea, it is still very attractive for the tourists and everyone that likes a thing with a bling.

Brighton Pier

Another favourite place among locals and tourists are The Lanes - both South and North. They are the perfect spot for anyone not afraid to dig into piles of "vintage" staff - records, clothes, jewelry, furniture, anything and everything. There are plenty of small coffee shops, offering something for every taste and diet, all very cute and in a hipster style. If you are after something that "it's so not cool, you probably haven't heard of it" - this is you place to go. On a more serious note, if you are after nice jewelry, gold or silver, with or without precious stones, and you are not in the position to splurge in a high-street goldsmiths' shop - I can promise you than in one of the hundreds antiquities shops you'll find whatever you are after. It might need a bit of cleaning/polishing, but it will be excellent quality for a fraction of the price. The same goes for real wood furniture - far less expensive than anywhere on the high-street, the Brighton Lanes can offer a wide range of hidden goods. But bear in mind that most place will not offer a delivery, so that might turn up an awesome find into a tedious disaster.

The North Lanes

My last, but not least,  favourite thing in Brighton and Hove are The Hove Beach Huts. Very colourful and cheerful, they stand bright and funky on the beach, overlooking the ocean. Back in Victorian times, they were used by the ladies to get changed before they were taken to the ocean itself. The times were such that these very modest ladies will not show themselves in their bath suits but instead they will go from the hut directly into the sea and then they will go back directly into the hut, while the former is still in water. It's so very complicated, I know. Nowadays people who own huts use them to store foldable chairs, tables and other beach-appropriate things. There are always huts for sale, so if this is your kind of thing - there is a real opportunity for anyone to obtain one. But what I love about them is how cheerful and fresh and colourful they are, how distinct from everything else around them. They look like something that does not belong in England but in Cuba or in Greece. Anywhere worm and soulful but England!

Hove Beach Huts

Ah, Brighton is not so bad, after all. There are plenty of places to go and things to see, but I guess this is more than enough for my grandparents for today. Tomorrow we are up for another adventure!

You can't get lost if you don't know where you're going...